Infants dressing table

ABSTRACT

An infants dressing table having a pair of nestable base sections adapted to support a pair of slidably extendable top sections. The table sections and the top sections can be easily moved into an extended configuration for dressing the infant and then reclosed to conserve space. An important safety feature of the table is that, due to its novel construction, the top sections cannot be extended while the table sections are in a nested configuration.

United States Patent Virtue et al.

[ Nov. 4, 1975 INFANTS DRESSING TABLE Inventors: Richard J. Virtue, Palos Verdes Estates; Jose M. Barba, Granada Hills, both of Calif.

Pride-Trimble Corporation, Burbank, Calif.

Filed: Aug. 5, 1974 Appl. No.: 494,731

Assignee:

US. Cl 108/27; 5/3; 5/93 R;

108/102; 312/201 Int. Cl. A47B 17/00; A47B 83/00 Field of Search 108/27, 63, 102, 111;

312/201, 237; 5/2 R, 3, 8, 93 R, 92, 93 B References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Heller 5/3 1,588,771 6/1926 Richardson 312/201 3,313,584 4/1967 Rocker 312/201 3,756,680 9/1973 Lerner 312/237 3,777,673 12/1973 Blazey et al. 108/27 Primary Examiner-James McCall Attorney, Agent, or FirmWhann & McManigal 6 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Sheet 1 of 2 US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 U.S. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet 2 of2 3,916,802

Win lhminw Fla 4 INFANTS DRESSING TABLE BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention l The present invention relates generally to an infants dressing table and more particularly to a dressing table having nestable base portions adapted to support slidably mating top portions.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art Several types of foldable infants dressing tables have been developed in the past. Typically, these tables comprise base portions which are pivotally interconnected so that the table may be folded or closed to conserve space. Often the base portions are provided with drawers movable into superimposed or tier-like relationship with other drawers when the table is folded. Such a construction is shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,313,584, issued to Rocker.

Infant dressing tables of the foldable type may be provided with top portions comprising hingedly connected top slabs or planar members which can be folded into superimposed relationship when the table bases are folded such as shown by US. Pat. No. 3,313,584, or they may have slidably interconnected top portions as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,777,673, issued to Blazey et al.

A common drawback of the prior art foldable infant dressing tables is the absence of adequate safeguards to preclude extension of the baby supporting top portions of the table when the base portions thereof are in a folded configuration. Stated another way, in the prior art structures it is possible to extend the top sections without extending the base portions, thereby creating a highly unstable and dangerous configuration. Conversely, it is possible to fold the base portions and leave the top portions in an unsupported extended position. In either case, if the child is placed on the table top when the top is not fully supported by the extended base portions, the table can tip over or the table top itself can collapse, risking severe injury to the infant.

SUMMARY It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide an infants dressing table of the type characterized by having a pair of nestable base sections adapted to support a pair of slidably extendable top sections in which a positive safety locking mechanism is provided to preclude extension of the top sections while the base sections are in a nested relationship.

With the provision of such a safety locking feature it is not possible for the top section to be moved into an extended configuration without either first, or simultaneously, moving its supporting base section into an extended position.

This construction completely avoids the danger of the infant being placed onto the table when the extendable top section is in an unsupported configuration.

It is another object of the invention to provide an infants dressing table of the aforementioned character which is completely safe and highly stable in its extended, intermediate and closed configurations.

It is another object of the invention to provide an infants dressing table as previously described in which the slidable top sections are provided with side walls of substantial height so as to prevent the infant from rolling or falling off the table.

It is still another object to provide an infants dressing table as described in the preceding paragraph in which the walls are provided with positive guides in the form of a tongue and groove type of construction which makes the top sections easy to operate but does not sacrifice strength or safety.

In summary, these and other objects of the invention are achieved by an infants dressing table comprising: a first base section; a first top section carried by said first base section, said first top section comprising a floor, upstanding side walls, and an end wall interconnecting said side walls; a second base section movable relative to said first base section from an extended position into a nested position; a second top section slidably movable relative to said first base section from an extended position to a closed position, said second top section being supported by said second base section when the latter is in an extended position, and comprising a floor, upstanding side walls, and an end wall interconnecting said side walls; and a safety locking mechanism carried by said second base section for preventing sliding movement of said second top section relative to said first top section when said first and second base sections are in a nested relationship.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective. view of the infants dressing table of the present invention in a closed or storage configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the table after it has been moved into an extended configuration for dressing the infant.

FIG. 3 is a foreshortened side elevational view of the table in its closed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 44 of FIG. 3 illustrating the manner in which the components of the table are joined together and showing the tongue and groove construction of the slidable top sections.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE FORM OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the infants dressing table of this form of the invention comprises a first or stationary base section 12; a first, or stationary top section 14 carried by base section 12; a second or movable base section 16 movable relative to the first base section from the extended position of FIG. 2 into the nested position of FIG. 1; and a second, or movable top section 18 slidably movable relative to top section 14 from the extended position of FIG. 2 to the closed, or storage position of FIG. 1.

Stationary base section 12 comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart, generally U-shaped tubular side members 20 and 22 (FIG. 4) adapted to support a pair of vertically spaced apart drawer-like, generally rectangularly shaped storage receptacles 24 and 26 (FIG. '2). Receptacles 24 and 26 are located intermediate side members 20 and 22 and are connected thereto by suitable connectors such as screws 28. Spacers 30 are provided between the side members and the receptacles to allow clearance for the free nesting of movable base section 16 which, as presently will be described, also includes a pair of storage receptacles movable in a superimposed or tier-like relationship with receptacles 24 and 26.

As illustrated in the drawings, the bight sections 32 of the U-shaped sides form generally horizontally extending structural supports while the generally vertically extending leg portions 36 and 38 support the receptacles and at their extremities comprise the ground engaging portions of stationary base section.

Movable base section 16 comprises a generally U- shaped end member 40 and a pair of vertically spaced apart storage receptacles 42 and 44. These latter mentioned receptacles are of similar size and construction as receptacles 24 and 26 and are affixed to end member 40 by suitable connectors such as screws 46. As best seen in FIG. 2, receptacles 42 and 44 cantilever outwardly from member 40 and are vertically located so as to interleaf between receptacles 24 and 26 when the base sections are moved into a closed or nested configuration. Stop means in the form of L-shaped brackets 47 (FIG. 4) are affixed by connectors 49 to the bottom edges of receptacles 42 and 44 proximate their right ends (FIG. 2) and are adapted to engage the interior top edges of the end walls of receptacles 24 and 26 so as to limit the travel between the base portions. Connectors 49 also serve as spacers between the receptacles to facilitate extension of base portion 16.

Affixed to the ends of leg portions 48 and 50 of U- shaped end member 40 are ground engaging roller means or wheels 52 for supporting the movable base section and for facilitating the movement of the latter section toward the stationary base section.

U-shaped members 20, 22 and 40 may be formed of lightweight metal tubing or other suitable material. Receptacles 24, 26, 42 and 44 may be constructed of moldable plastic, hard rubber, wood, woven material or a combination thereof.

As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, in this form of the invention U-shaped end member 40 also comprises a highly novel safety locking means for preventing sliding movement of second top section 18 relative to first top section 14 when the first and second base sections 12 and 16 are in the nested configuration shown in FIG. 1.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, first or stationary top section 14 comprises a floor 54, including longitudinally extending reinforcing ribs 55, a pair of upstanding side walls 56 and an end wall 58 interconnecting the side walls. Similarly, second, or movable top section 18, comprises a floor 60 (FIG. 4), a pair of upstanding side walls 62 and an end wall 64 interconnecting the side walls. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, and as best seen in FIG. 4, side walls 56 of top section 14 are each provided with laterally extending tongue members 66, and side walls 62 of top section 18 are each provided with grooves or channels 68 adapted to slidably receive tongue members 66. This construction comprises the guide means of the invention for slidably moving the movable top section relative to the stationary top section from an extended position to a closed position. To support movable top section 18 when it is in its extended position, upstanding support members 70 are affixed to the upper edges of receptacle 42 proximate its outboard or left end as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3.

First and second top sections 14 and 18 may be of one-piece construction formed of moldable plastic or they may be constructed of wood or fiber composite materials with the end and side walls suitably connected to the floors. In any event, the inner surfaces of the top sections must be easy to clean and the side and end walls must be rigid and of sufficient height to prevent the infant from rolling off the table. In this regard, as an added safety measure, a safety belt identified generally by the numeral 72 (FIG. 2) is provided to strap the infant within the top sections. Belt 72 is constructed of two lengths of webbing 72a and 72b, each of which is affixed at one end to the underside of the floor of top section 14. The free ends of the lengths of webbing extend upwardly through apertures 74 formed in the floor of top section 14 and terminate at quick coupling connectors (not shown) of a type well known in the art.

A novel and highly significant safety feature of the invention is the previously mentioned locking means for preventing sliding movement of the second top section 18 relative to the first top section 14 when the first and second base sections are in a nested relationship. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, this locking means is here provided in the form of the U-shaped end or locking member 40. Member 40 is constructed and arranged so that the bight section 76 and the upper portions of legs 48 and 50 engage end wall 64 of second top section 18 when the base sections 12 and 16 are nested together.

When the top sections are closed, as shown in FIG. 3, with the right end of the channel portion 68 of top section 18 in engagement with a stop shoulder 80 formed on a depending flange 82 provided near the right end of tongue 66 of top section 14, and with the base sections nested together, top section 18 is held captive with member 40 effectively blocking extension thereof. Only by withdrawing base section 16 from base section 12 can top section 18 be moved into its extended position. In actual use, of course, base section 16 and top section 18 can be extended simultaneously or, in the alternative, base 16 can be extended first and then top section 18 moved into an extended position. In either case, the top section is at all times supported and the table is always in a stable configuration.

Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

We claim:

1. An infants dressing table comprising:

a. a first base section;

b. a first top section carried by said first base section,

said first top section comprising;

1. a floor;

2. upstanding side walls; and

3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls;

0. a second base section movable relative to said first base section from an extended position into a nested position;

(I. a second top section slidably movable relative to said first top section from an extended position to a closed position, said second top section being supported by said second base section when the latter is in an extended position, and comprising:

1. a floor; 2. upstanding side walls; and 3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls; and

e. locking means carried by said second base section in operative engagement with said second top section so as to block extension thereof when said first and second base sections are in a nested position whereby sliding movement of said second top section relative to said first top section is prevented when said first and second base sections are in a nested relationship.

2. An infants dressing table as defined in claim 1 in which said locking means comprises a locking member integral with said second base section and so constructed and arranged as to engage said second top section when said second base section is nested with respect to said first base section so as to prevent sliding movement of said second top section relative to said first top section so long as said base sections are nested.

3. An infants dressing table as defined in claim 2 in which said locking member is generally U-shaped with the bight section thereof adapted to engage said second top section and the extremities thereof comprising ground engaging supports for said second base section.

4. An infants dressing table as claimed in claim 1 in which each of the side walls of one of the said top sections is provided with a tongue member and each of'the side walls of the other of said top sections is provided with a groove adapted to slidably receive said tongue members.

5. An infants dressing table comprising:

a. a first base section;

b. a first top section carried by said first base section,

said first top section comprising:

2. upstanding side walls, each provided with a laterally extending tongue proximate the upper edge thereof; and

3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls;

c. a second base section movable relative to said first base section from an extended position into a nested position;

(1. a second top section slidably movable relative to said first top section from an extended position to a closed position, said second top section being supported by said second base section when the latter is in an extended position, and comprising:

1. a floor;

2. upstanding side walls, each provided with a groove proximate the upper edge thereof adapted to slidably receive said tongues of said first top section; and

3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls; and

e. locking means carried by said second base section for preventing sliding movement of said second top section relative to said first top section when said first and second base sections are in a nested relationship, said locking means comprising a generally U-shaped member affixed to said base section and so constructed and arranged that the bight section thereof engages said second top section and blocks extension thereof when said first and second base sections are nested and the extremities thereof form ground engaging supports for said second base section.

6. An infants dressing table comprising:

a. a first base section;

b. a first top section connected to said first base section;

c. a second base section slidably movable relative to said first base section from an extended position as said base sections are in a nested relationship. 

1. An infants dressing table comprising: a. a first base section; b. a first top section carried by said first base section, said first top section comprising;
 1. a floor;
 2. upstanding side walls; and
 3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls; c. a second base section movable relative to said first base section from an extended position into a nested position; d. a second top section slidably movable relative to said first top section from an extended position to a closed position, said second top section being supported by said second base section when the latter is in an extended position, and comprising:
 1. a floor;
 2. upstanding side walls; and
 3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls; and e. locking means carried by said second base section in operative engagement with said second top section so as to block extension thereof when said first and second base sections are in a nested position whereby sliding movement of said second top section relative to said first top section is prevented when said first and second base sections are in a nested relationship.
 2. upstanding side walls; and
 2. An infants dressing table as defined in claim 1 in which said locking means comprises a locking member integral with said second base section and so constructed and arranged as to engage said second top section when said second base section is nested with respect to said first base section so as to prevent sliding movement of said second top section relative to said first top section so long as said base sections are nested.
 2. upstanding side walls; and
 2. upstanding side walls, each provided with a laterally extending tongue proximate the upper edge thereof; and
 2. upstanding side walls, each provided with a groove proximate the upper edge thereof adapted to slidably receive said tongues of said first top section; and
 3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls; and e. locking means carried by said second base section in operative engagement with said second top section so as to block extension thereof when said first and second base sections are in a nested position whereby sliding movement of said second top section relative to said first top section is prevented when said first and second base sections are in a nested relationship.
 3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls; and e. locking means carried by said second base section for preventing sliding movement of said second top section relative to said first top section when said first and second base sections are in a nested relationship, said locking means comprising a generally U-shaped member affixed to said base section and so constructed and arranged that the bight section thereof engages said second top section and blocks extension thereof when said first and second base sections are nested and the extremities thereof form ground engaging supports for said second base section.
 3. An infants dressing table as defined in claim 2 in which said locking member is generally U-shaped with the bight section thereof adapted to engage said second top section and the extremities thereof comprising ground engaging supports for said second base section.
 3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls; c. a second base section movable relative to said first base section from an extended position into a nested position; d. a second top section slidably movable relative to said first top section from an extended position to a closed position, said second top section being supported by said second base section when the latter is in an extended position, and comprising:
 3. an end wall interconnecting said side walls; c. a second base section movable relative to said first base section from an extended position into a nested position; d. a second top section slidably movable relative to said first top section from an extended position to a closed position, said second top section being supported by said second base section when the latter is in an extended position, and comprising:
 4. An infants dressing table as claimed in claim 1 in which each of the side walls of one of the said top sections is provided with a tongue member and each of the side walls of the other of said top sections is provided with a groove adapted to slidably receive said tongue members.
 5. An infants dressing table comprising: a. a first base section; b. a first top section carried by said first base section, said first top section comprising:
 6. An infants dressing table comprising: a. a first base section; b. a first top section connected to said first base section; c. a second base section slidably movable relative to said first base section from an extended position into a nested position; d. a second top section slidably movable relative to said first top section from an extended position to a closed position; and e. locking means integral with said second base section and so constructed and arranged as to operatively engage said second top section when said base sections are nested, said locking means being adapted to block slidable movement of said second top section relative to said first top section so long as said base sections are in a nested relationship. 